New Alfa Romeo Giulia is here: specs, video and on sale date

Striking Alfa Romeo Giulia revealed as successor to 159; set to take on 3 Series and XE when it arrives in 2016

The long wait is over; Alfa Romeo has finally unveiled its 159 successor, which signals the start of yet another rebirth for the ailing brand. This is the new Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon, revealed here in top-spec Quadrifoglio trim and on sale in mid-2016 aiming straight for the BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE and 2016 Audi A4.

It’s the first of eight new models from Alfa due by 2018, and will play a significant role in helping the Italian brand boost its sales to over 400,000 by the end of that year; in 2014, it shifted 74,000 models.

New Alfa Romeo Giulia: video

Alfa Romeo Giulia: styling

The new Giulia’s bold design is a world away from the angular 159’s, and signifies Alfa’s move away from family saloon rivals and into compact executive territory. The 159’s intricate headlamp design is replaced by large LED units that sweep round to the wheelarches.

While the trademark Treofoil V-shaped grille remains, underneath are purposeful air intakes and a prominent lip spoiler. The long, kinked bonnet sweeps back to a steeply raked windscreen, while the side profile reveals a rounded window design similar to the Alfa 8C coupé’s.

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The Quadrifoglio (it stands for Cloverleaf) also has butch side sills, although it’s not yet clear whether more humdrum models will get these styling cues.

There’s a hint of the Jaguar XE in the coupé-like rear three-quarter profile, but Alfa has made the car its own with sweeping LED tail-lights and a neat boot spoiler. This model sports racy quad tailpipes with a gloss black surround, hinting at the performance from the Ferrari-derived powertrain underneath.

Alfa Romeo Giulia: engines and specs

The BMW M3-rivalling Quadrifoglio model produces 503bhp from its 3.0-litre Bi-turbo petrol V6 – that’s 78bhp more than the M3, and up with the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S. And it promises 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, which is faster than virtually all of its rivals.

There’ll be a choice of auto and six-speed manual gearboxes, plus the car will be available with rear or four-wheel drive – a radical departure from the front-wheel-drive 156 and 159.

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Alfa boasts of 50:50 weight distribution, and uses lightweight materials throughout including aluminium for the wings, doors and rear crossmember, a carbon fibre bonnet and roof, and other composites. It also claims best-in-class torsional rigidity.

All cars get multi-link rear suspension and double front wishbones. The Quadrifoglio is said to offer 3bhp per kilo, and we can expect even top variants to weigh around 1,500kg. Adaptive dampers and an updated DNA variable driving system are also available, but it’s unclear if base cars will get these.

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The Quadrifoglio also debuts performance tech that’s new to Alfa, including Torque Vectoring, an electromechanical Integrated Brake System and an Active Aero splitter that manages downforce for better high-speed stability. CEO Harald Wester told Auto Express great efforts have been made to differentiate the Giulia from the dominant German (and now British) compact exec crowd.

He explained: “Premium brands offer the same thing. They are interchangeable. If you exaggerate, you could say they’re boring. New Alfa will put the driver back at the centre. It’ll once again become the perfect fusion of man and machine. Putting the driver at centre stage means they’re at the heart of the brand.”

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Alfa started with a blank canvas when it came to the Giulia’s interior, too. Its design is a world away from those of current Alfas: while familiar details remain in the cowled dials and chrome-ringed ventilation controls, the swooping dashboard and large central screen are new.

Sporty features such as carbon fibre trim throughout and a push-button engine start mark the car out from small executive rivals. The tall centre console is a result of its rear-wheel-drive layout.

What do you think of Alfa's new Giulia? Can it take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XE? Let us know in the comments section below...

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Submitted by scott1234 on Thu, 2010-12-16 02:02.

Good looking Alfa, you have to very brave to buy one of these..

Submitted by snappyuk on Thu, 2010-12-16 03:45.

The flank bears more than a hint of Audi about it in this rendition.I hope the headlight shape is close to the real thing as the bug eyes on the MiTo and Guilietta spoil the car's looks completely.

Submitted by jemyd on Thu, 2010-12-16 12:20.

Yep another great design from alfa ,you have to gi ve it to the italians when it comes to designing a car ,there only downfall its reliability ,hopefully the these new generation alfas will sort all this out.

Scott1234, why do you need to be brave, are you like Jemyd and think Alfas are unreliable?? I have owned a 147 for 4 years, it has never gone wrong, not once. Compare that to my mates VW Golf that has cost him thousands in the same period, or another mates BMW that has blown 2 turbos within 30k miles and is constantly in the garage. I now own a Giulietta and that's been a dream, the cleanest and most powerful 2.0l TD on sale today!!!! Not to mention its the best looking hatch on sale today by a country mile.

If you insist on sticking with your outdated opinions of Alfas I suggest you take a long look on the hard shoulders of the motorways, full of BMWs, Fords and Vauxhalls.

As for this car, well WOW! I hope every other car firm is looking on and realise its still possible to design a very striking car in modern times. If the final one looks anything close to this the germans should be very worried!

Submitted by BruceThe on Thu, 2010-12-16 16:12.

What motoring rock has Scott1234 (also Jemyd and others) been under for the past decade with the same boring tosh about Alfas. No, on reflection, he (assume it's a bloke) can't be that blinkered and wrong, it's probably just a windup by a member of the Auto Express staff to get Alfa fans commenting. Suspicious it was the first comment! My '04 Alfa GT now with 100k + is one of the best cars I have had during a motoring span of 35 years and I have had and driven hard lots of cars (and bikes). With people like Scott1234 the old but true saying always comes into my head...'There are none so blind as those who will not see'.

Submitted by keghead on Thu, 2010-12-16 17:16.

Gents, lets not start another Alfa bashing thread - it's not necessary!I've been in the motor industry for a long time (probably longer than you've all been alive combined) and whilst Alfa have improved, they are still on the whole more unreliable than the major manufacturers (GM, VW, Ford), with petty faults that are not befitting for a manufacturer of their status – my repair shop proves that’s a fact!

You buy an Alfa because your an Alfa fan! Because you'll live with niggling faults and major bills to fix them. Just so for that short time when the airbag light isn't on, or the warning lady isn't talking Greek, or when the suspension bushes aren't squeaking, or the cam-belt hasn't broken - you are driving one of the most beautiful and wonderful pieces of design on the road!You don't buy one because you want a faithful reliable car!

Sorry boys but those are the sorry facts. Yes there will be RARE reliable examples, but the majority outweigh the minority.

That aside - another stunning Alfa from the current design team, well done!!!

Submitted by AndyG on Thu, 2010-12-16 17:54.

but thats complete bull. My family have owned a garage for years too, the majority of the cars they deal with are Fords, Vauxhalls and BMW's. Those problems you mention are the same with any car! In fact if a modern alfa is looked after it will generally outlast all of the other marques you mention. My missus Alfa has 165,000 on a petrol engine and is going as strong as day one.

As i mentioned above my mates VW golf has been a much worse car and has been through a parts list as long as my arm. The majority of good ones far outweigh tthe bad ones, not something that can be said for the germans in my experience.

Those are the facts I'm affraid. Alfas are just as reliable as any car on the market. If not more so, again the hard shoulders of the motorway prove my point.

Submitted by ukmike2000 on Thu, 2010-12-16 18:11.

What is the source of the Photoshop because the word on the street is that the styling wouldn't be signed off for another month or two?If it looks like that, then by the time the car is launched in 2012-ish it will just look like a ten year old Audi with an Alfa grille. Must try harder 4/10

Submitted by nkaragou on Thu, 2010-12-16 18:59.

it looks like the pre-facelifted saab 9-3 or is it just me????

Submitted by YoungCarNut97 on Thu, 2010-12-16 21:44.

The nose is a bit Porshe Panamera-esque?I really like it, and the looks of the 159 are going to be difficult to beat

Submitted by mariemuse on Thu, 2010-12-16 22:38.

It still amazes me the biased ignorance of so many blokes who anything from Alfa is, in 1 way or another,bad. I've a 147 1.9JTDm 150HP & after 4 yrs the only bit I replaced is a tyre. Before that a 146Ti for 10 yrs, replaced battery & exhaust bracket. I had the original Giulietta Sprint in early 60s & it was really years ahead of other "crappy" sport cars from Europe or US (Japs did'nt exist).My son was regularly breaking down with his Golf. Now after 5yrs with his Alfa 147 1.6 he's still smiling. My opinion of the Alfa Romeo in this country compares with the like of trying to sell Gucci to the "Bushmen" in Namibia. Ignorance is the worst enemy of humanity.Some bloke said long time ago.

Submitted by captainlinger on Thu, 2010-12-16 23:33.

The Gucci of cars shouldn't copy. I agree with other posters that this design lacks distinction. Cover the shield grill and it could be 6 other makes. That's Alfa in economy mode. I hope the company is healthier than that. I have not owned one since my 1965 Giulia Veloce Spider but still root for the marque.

Submitted by Dave_ie on Fri, 2010-12-17 04:51.

Aww come on folks. Not another bashing of Italian Car Manufacturing. Every time I open a British Magazine they'er always giving an Italian Car a bashing (that said the 500 and Abarths always got good reviews). New Alfa Romeo's are not giving the trouble the previous generations did. Sergio Marchione has installed a World Class Manufacturing System in all Fiat Factories and has now put that into practice with Chrysler as well. You can see it in all the cars. The quality is a lot better and you can certainly feel it behind the wheel of the car. Im Irish... If the cars were bad, trust me I'd notice it quickly with out roads!! :D Have to agree about the bug eye head lights comment above (Alfa Mito in particluar). Im still not 100% a fan of them - Looks too femanine. This however certainly looks tasty and its the 1st Alfa model Fiat Group plans to bring to the USA. If anything this will certainly be the best Alfa they've ever built (They cant return with a piece of tin).

Submitted by nikism on Fri, 2010-12-17 10:18.

Yesterday, I was looking at the keys of my 1978 Giulietta 1,8 who .... after 33 years of brave existence, went for demolition in October 2009.I still feel very much sorry for her as if she was a living thing. Oh yes, she was very prone to defects and she was getting rusty. All those 33 years, I had to work on her very hard to save her. Still, for at least 20 years, she was a superb car and had a fantastic acceleration (reprise), which I cannot say for my very beautiful Alfa 156 1,8. You see , Signor Marchione was not steering FIAT when she was designed and some FIAT people designed her, for an Alfa, underpowered!As I am living in an extremely beautiful but very bankrupted country, with the worst (bad in every way) possible politicians in the World, it'll be a long time, when and if, I will be able to own again such a good car as the new Giulia Quadrofoglio.With my kindest regardsNicky

Submitted by mariemuse on Fri, 2010-12-17 22:47.

Italdesign (Gucci) do not copy, they CREATE & everybody else copy. Passat, Scirocco, Golf &Polo were designed by Italdesign. The French had cars designed by Italians. Even the English used the Italian design...Aston Martin "DB" (Duccio Bertone), as BL (Rover Etc.) I'm very sad that England is full of ignorant motorists & unfortunately also full of incompetent mechanics. It's now >30 yrs still looking for a capable & honest "mechanic". After all this was the market for the old Skodas, Wotburg, Marina, Zas & other crap that here were called "cars".Waisting my breath really. So Long !

Submitted by MrWhat101 on Sat, 2010-12-18 01:32.

Firstly, I have to say that I think the car looks great - I hope that the cars with a lower specification look equally as good if not better as our roads certainly need a bit of glamour!

I'll admit that I've never owned an Alfa Romeo so I'm not really qualified to comment on first hand experience regarding reliability etc, it would be unfair and nothing would be gained on a regurgetated opinion (despite this being more common than not).I know people who have owned Alfa's, some with good experiences, some not quite so good. In the same respect, I have owned many cars who have a public perceived reliability excellence pedigree, yet my experiences of reliability have varied to the same extent as those who have owned Alfa's - ie contradictory to opinion and reputation.

All I will say that through first hand experience, cars can behave quite differently to any reputation that they may or may not have. The health of a car can be as varied as each of the drivers. Regardless of the shape of the badge (star, propeller, four rings), model, public opinion and perception, or how effective the marketing has been (Skoda), cars do not come with a guarantee - they come with a warranty. Manufacturers recognise that as good as their cars may well be, they cannot guarantee fault free motoring. Was Toyota not consistently one of the most reliable car manufacturers in recent history? So how can such a reliable manufacturer have the worlds largest recall that almost brought the company to a close?

Essentially, the reliability of a car today, where quality assurance is a key factor in all parts of the production process, is based upon the individuals experience. You never know when you may have purchased the 'Friday Car' until it becomes all very stressful.

Ultimately, I believe it is how a company addresses the issues experienced by a consumer of their product that makes the biggest difference - if you have an issue and it is dealt with efficiently, thoroughly and courteously - then this will make all the difference to your motoring experience.

For those who read mariemuse's message regarding Aston Martin - absolute tripe! The initials "DB" stand for David Brown (yes, he of the tractor fraternity) who in 1947 bought Aston Martin. In 1948, the Aston Martin launched the DB1, after the new owners initials.

Submitted by twistydriver on Sat, 2010-12-18 04:49.

I've been waiting a long time to buy a new Alfa. I want it to be a proper Alfa with rear drive; I was hoping they would surprise us.And although the MiTo and Guiletta are front drivers I like them a lot. I think front drive has its place for small compacts.

My fear with this one is that they might wind up with a Camry and that is what I'm seeing here. I see a front drive Camry that has an Alfa style nose grafted onto it. It's not there yet and I don't think it is an improvement over the good looking 159.

Marchionne give us an Alfa, a real Alfa, one with lines and a profile like no other car.

Submitted by JTravolta77 on Sat, 2010-12-18 05:19.

Look's sexy! Certainly looks better than the BMW 3 series! Appears to be very substantial with high quality build. I own a Mito, it's beautiful to drive, plus has that 'Germanic Build Quality Feel' and is great value for money! Apart from the Giulietta which was a disappointment (styling), I think Alfa Romeo is making greater inroads and will be a serious rival to the likes of BMW (resting on their laurels), Audi & Mercedes in a few years from now.

Submitted by Chris_Lee on Sat, 2010-12-18 19:23.

The new Giulia is without doubt beautiful and if the Giulietta is anything to go by it will drive well.But why oh why do people without experience of modern Alfa Romeos jump straight on the reliabilty bandwagon. Most have little or no experience of the marque they just repeat the same old ill informed opinions.I have owned many makes and models of motor cars - some better than others and some considerably worse. I am on my second Alfa Romeo GT. The first did over 36,000 miles and other than routine servicing the only part I replaced was a sidelamp bulb.My current car has done 19,000 miles with nothing other than one service. It returns 44mpg and is very good to drive. Absolute reliability for two cars over nearly 6 years I can't complain.This is better than the BMW Minis I had and they are considered reliable. What more can Alfa do? There will always be variations in any make but soley concentrating on the past or some ingrained myths does no one any favours.

Submitted by CK0001 on Mon, 2010-12-20 21:22.

Mariemuse: In your comment on 17th December you implied that the DB denomination used on Aston Martins stands for Duccio (?) Bertone.

Are you for real? Does the name David Brown mean anything to you?

Submitted by sgtgrash on Tue, 2010-12-21 17:57.

Marie, you missed out the car that put Ital Design on the map. It was such a winner most of the UK fell about laughing when one drove by. The stunningly sexy machine I refer to is the Morris Ital :~/

Submitted by BEREAL on Thu, 2010-12-23 10:27.

I LOVE THE WAY ALFA'S LOOK THE DESIGN IS BEAUTIFUL & FOR A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR THE STEERING IS SO DIRECT YOU REALLY FEEL CONNECTED TO THE CAR AND ROAD, I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE THE NEW GIULIETTA & MITO & THIS NEW GIULIA EVEN THOUGH IT'S ESSENTIALY A VAUXHALL INSIGNIA UNDERNEATH AS WITH THE GIULIETTA IS A VAUXHALL ASTRA WITH THE SAME 20 CDTI DIESEL ENGINE WE ALL KNOW THAT ALFA & FIAT ARE THE SAME THING, IT'S JUST THAT ALFA IS MORE THE UPMARKET VERSION & VAUXHALL FIAT & ALFA HAVE SHARED DIESEL ENGINES FOR YEARS NOW & NOW THEY SHARE THE SAME PLATFOMS ASWELL. STILL A NICE CAR THOUGH LOOKS GREAT !

Submitted by simong156 on Thu, 2010-12-23 23:11.

My 159 3.2 AWD just may need replacing next year! I like the sound of 300bhp and the 4 wheel drive again - even if with fat low profile tyres it's prettu useless in snow!Keep up to date on the iPhone with Alfa here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app...

Submitted by Richard_H on Fri, 2010-12-24 01:23.

BEREAL is incorrect.

The Giulietta is not based on the Astra and Gulia is not based on the Insignia, the Grande Punto and Corsa shared a platform, so there is crossover there because the Mito is based on the GP and that is the only platform share that happened with GM.

The Giulietta platform is a new FIAT/Alfa platform that will be stetched and shrunk to accomodate new cars across the FIAT Group

The CDTi is a FIAT Powertain design that GM use.

The GM/FIAT platform sharing deal fell apart before the 159 and Brera came out, leaving Alfa with the (very heavy) platform, and the use of a Holden bottom end for the petrol engines, with Alfa heads. As part of the exit deal, GM get to use the 1.9/2.0 JTDm engines that they badge CDTi

With the new range of TBi engines, Holden based engines are being phased out.

BEREAL is right about one thing, the Guilia looks stunning!

Submitted by Debbie312 on Fri, 2010-12-24 23:13.

Amazing how suddenly everyone becomes an expert on unreliability when Alfas are mentioned isn't it? Most were probably told they were unreliable by their Dad's years and years ago.

I owned 5 Alfa's in the 1980's - 2 Sud's a Sprint and 2 Alfa 33's and only stopped buying the marque when the local dealer disappeared. Not once during that time did any of the cars let me down, nor did any of them have a rust problem for that matter. Yes they had their build quality issues, but so did most cars in the early 80's, including several models I bought after my Alfa's well into the 90's.

Since then I have been longing for another Alfa that I really liked and could afford, and my long wait is about to come to an end next week. I have had to smile at the number of 'experts' banging on about unreliability - and depreciation. Funny that. The cost of my new Alfa is the same as the SEAT Leon FR that I have now, and the guaranteed minimum value when it is 3 years old is the same as the Leon too - and the Leon is regarded as a very safe bet on depreciation - as I have just found out to my benefit. Several motoring magazines state the residuals on Alfas to be strong - others say weak, but you can't help thinking that some of the journalists were also taught by their Dad's.

As for the Giulia - it looks fantastic. The 159 takes some beating, but this is a worthy looking successor, so hats off to Alfa.

Submitted by bobski on Fri, 2011-01-07 14:41.

I'm an Alfa fan. A complete and utter Alfa nut. But 15 years of ownership ended last January. Why? Because Alfa just don't make a car that I like, or that meets my needs anymore.

As many have pointed out, buying an Alfa has been an individual, even brave choice, but it's always been a choice that's been rewarded by beautiful looks, a great drive and, to use that dirty word, SOUL. But for me, not any more. The design direction established by Giugiaro as the original Brera concept was stunning, and should have been the car the 8C ended up being. The 159 followed, which is a a great looking car, with a fabulously aggressive front end featuring those hooded triple headlamps. The production Brera looks almost as good, although something has been lost in translation as the proportions were squeezed to fit a particular platform.

Then along came the 8C. Stunning in its own way, but far too retro form me. Alfa always was and should be a forward thinking company, and for me the original Brera was perfect. So now Alfa are using the 8C as inspiration for all of their cars, starting with the Mito. OK, some some aspects of it are cute (in the way the whole of the 'Sud was), but trying to adapt the 8C's visual characteristics to suit a car of wildly different proportions just hasn't worked. The result is a car that looks like a giant mouse. I had one for a weekend, while my 916 GTV was being serviced, and it drove even worse than it looked. That DNA switch is a pointless tool. The Mito is a huge disappointment when it should have been, at very long last, a worthy successor to the 'Sud.

Then came the Giulietta, which for me is even more shameful. The front end is just far too bulky and that combination of lights and shield just doesn't work - especially the big gap around the shield. What's worse, however, is the fact that overall the car is a collection of disparate elements that simply don't belong together; it was designed by committee.

And now, the Giulia. I'll reserve judgment until I see one in the flesh, but on seeing the picture above, the overall form does look like a new Saab 9-5 with an Alfa badge.

But like I said at the start, there's just no reason for me to buy an Alfa any more. My wife likes German cars, I'm passionate about Italians. But Alfa simply didn't give me the ammunition to give a persuasive argument for buying one of their cars over the Mk V Golf GTI I ended up with. It's a sad time if someone who has such a special place in their heart for Alfa Romeo isn't even able to convince themselves to have one.

Boy do I miss my old GTV...

Submitted by neilthehirst on Sat, 2011-01-08 16:06.

Nice one Bobski. Another sad day for alfa romeo. As an Alfa loyalist, I agree with all your comments, although I think you've been too kind about the Brera and the Mito. The Giulia looks like another of these Mr Potato Head designs where a generic body shape is supposed to be transformed into a thing of beauty by sticking on and Alfa grille, rounded triangle lights and a fish mouthed chin spoiler. Using the 8C as the embodiment of a design language was a bewilderingly bad idea. Whoever came up with this lazy, dogmatic design philosophy doesn't even deserve a job at Ford. I'll hang on to my flawed but lovely 156 as long as I can but I do worry that there may not be a worthy replacement in time.

Submitted by JTravolta77 on Sun, 2011-01-09 02:52.

Alfa Romeo has to move with the times like all Car Manufacturers. I wish people would stop criticizing Alfa's for that! You know, Bobski, the majority of modern cars are boring and ugly and that includes BMW! I drive a Mito, ok it's not perfect, no car is, but it's still more exciting, more exclusive and has more charisma than any of it's mundane, passionless rivals! I agree about the Giulietta, the styling is a disappointment it's too ordinary and bland for an alfa and the interior is too fussy. However, the Giulietta does excel in other departments, the engine (multiair), ride & handling, Safety & build quality. The Giulia looks very promising indeed, just the bug eyes Im not happy with, on this picture.

Submitted by danielbez on Tue, 2011-01-11 12:01.

Wow Bobski, I can give my comments here but it will be a complete re-hash of your post, every single point. Loved the Brera,159 design trait. Not the new. Brilliant commentary.

Submitted by iozdil on Wed, 2011-01-19 23:06.

No RWD means this car sucks.

Submitted by JTravolta77 on Thu, 2011-01-20 01:37.

Does Audi suck? Anyway, there's been rumours that BMW will be switching to FWD. It's obvious youre an Alfa hater. Why don't stop being a jealous BMW owner just because BMW was always inferior to Alfa Romeo. Did you forget Alfa Romeo invented the Sports Saloon! BMW was a former bubble car maker with a joke image! Don't you know there's many advantages to FWD.

Submitted by bobski on Fri, 2011-01-21 21:54.

JTravolta77, I think you may have missed my point. I agree that most modern cars are boring to look at. I often ask myself what truly beautiful cars are there, this side of a DB9 or Maser QP. Not much, unfortunately, but this was something you could always rely on Alfa delivering on. OK, the Alfa 6, 90 and Arna are exceptions that prove the rule.

My point is that Alfa should set the times, they shouldn't move with them, and they certainly shouldn't create cars that look like the 'best' bits from the back catalogue awkwardly shoved together. As NeiltheHirst has reinforced, a backward-looking design direction is completely wrong, and in the most recent examples, one that's been incredibly poorly executed.

More positively, you rightly point out that the engines remain an Alfa strong point. I've not driven anything with MultiAir, but it seems like a good thing. The best thing about everyday Italian cars has always been their lightness of touch - a small car, a small engine, thrashed to within an inch of it's life. It's how I drove my 33 1.7 carb, my 145 qv and then my beloved GTV. Like your MiTo, none of them perfect, but I loved every journey in them. Apart from long journeys in my 33, because the huge pedal offset gave me terrible knee pain in my throttle leg. The 2 litre TS engine in particular was an absolute gem. And it loved to rev.

What I don't understand is why Alfa can't currently build cars that involve the driver in the way they should? How is it that Ford can consistently deliver on this front, even with basic small models?

I agree that Alfas should stand out, but different isn't always good. Having re-read some of the posts above that question the authenticity of the image (AE, if you're reading, does your silence indicate your involvement in the creation of the above image??). It looks Audi/ BMW/ Saab to me as well. Just with some bug eyes and a triangle stuck on the snout. Remember how you felt when you first saw the 156? I almost cried, it was so beautiful. And it drove superbly as well. It was a car that didn't try too hard but delivered on every level.

I agree that FWD is NOT bad news or 'impure' for a performance car. Alfa, Ford, VW (strangely not Audi) even Jaguar and Lotus, have proved that FWD cars can be made to handle extremely well, very rewarding, and yet very safe. I read a good magazine article once (in EVO, I think) that explained that for mere mortals like us, driving normal cars on ordinary roads, FWD doesn't compromise performance to a degree that we would be able to identify. At this level, the RWD benefit is mostly perceived, and also the result of much marketing speak from BMW. Yes, there's a point at which RWD starts to make sense, and that point, I reckon, is somewhere north of around 250 bhp.

I suspect that anyone that says things like 'No RWD means this car sucks' either isn't an Alfa fan on any level (in which case, what are you doing bothering to add to this thread) or are still mourning the demise of the 75.

On a point of pedantry, JTravolta77, I think you should reconsider your views on BMW's credentials, though. They built some pretty tasty cars in the 30's - just look at the the 328. Although it was further improved by the Touring (of Milan, not Bavaria) body for the Mille Miglia car!

I'm really glad you like your MiTo. It probably is a good car (just not the diesel one I had for two days) but just not quite good enough. I want Alfa to build great cars, not good ones. It's great that drivers like you stick with Alfa, even when 'die-hards' like me leave the fold.

I cling to the hope that Alfa will once more make a car that meets my needs - both emotional and practical - and that I can persuade my wife to go for too. Until that day comes, I suspect our Golf will be staying. But if I behave myself, there's always the chance for another GTV. Maybe with a V6 upfront this time!

Submitted by JTravolta77 on Sat, 2011-01-22 07:00.

I understand your fondness and nostalgia of your past Alfa Romeo GTV, a great charismatic, characterful and dynamic sports car! I too miss my first car, an A reg 1984 Fiat Uno 70 Super 4 door. I loved the Giorgetto Giugiaro Design (to my mind the best ever supermini design) the crisp lines, the long bonnet and overhang, the square headlights and the 5 horizontal stripe badge on the grille etc etc....The interior too was delightful. The way that car went up hill was amazing! No car Ive owned since has ever been as good! The current Punto though very good and probably still the best supermini today just doesn't have that same appeal as the Uno did! What Ive noticed in the supermini category over the years, is this trend by carmakers of continually shortening the bonnets and making the headlights bug eyed. I think Bobski, part of the reason cars are not as exciting as the 1980's is the redtape and regulations of safety, pedestrian safety, Ncap test, kerb weight, emissions etc etc....Cars of today have to be designed with more constraints and limitations. So, you can't really blame Alfa Romeo, a car like the old GTV 6 could never be same again as too the 1983 Fiat Uno. As regards to styling, yes I agree with you, I haven't been completely impressed by latest offerings. In my opinion Alfa Romeo must keep with tradition and only have the best experienced maestro designers e.g Pininfarina, Gandini, Frau, Bertone, Sacco etc etc........Masterpieces can only be done by experienced artists not comitees!

Submitted by JBsZ06 on Tue, 2011-02-01 18:23.

As an italian car fanatic since the 1960's. Alfas truly are the ultimate driving machines and their beauty is truly one to enjoy.

This new Guilia is stunning and the fact that the pentastar v6 300hp could make it to the engine bay is exciting.

Here in America we wait anxiously for Alfa's return and until then I'll keep motoring in my 436hp manual transmission Z51 Corvette.

I look forward to when Alfa returns so I can hopefully buy a sporting Alfa coupe or sedan as my daily driver!

Three Alfa spiders in the sixties and early seventies and one lancia Monte Carlo (scorpion) modded with turbo charged motor make for some fond memories..

This new Alfa doesn't dissappoint in the slightest.

Hopefully the next alfa coupe and sedan might use the 470 hp SRT/8 Hemi motor for top of the line AWD or RWD platforms...(as well as the 300hp mulitiair V6 which if it has Direct Injection added should get better fuel economy and another 10 percent more hp...330hp should be possible ) America does love its hp and tq!

Now that would be an easy M5 killer!

sorry to go slightly off topic...this new alfas a beauty.

Submitted by dan123 on Tue, 2011-02-01 22:34.

I've never been lucky or unlucky to own an Alfa, but having said that they have such a presence. This is not what I expected from the Alfa but to be honest i'm starting to like it a lot! I love the look of Alfa's and a great fan of their style.

Great music from those engines, defo a new executive sports saloon beater!

Submitted by sirwiggum on Thu, 2011-02-03 14:48.

This could be an attractive mid range saloon. But what is Alfa's current design direction with googly headlights?

I have to agree with the comments others made, it worked on the 8C because it had supercar proportions and styling.It does not work as well on small to mid range hatchbacks and saloons.

I once saw a photoshopped MiTo with 159 style lights on, it looked like a meaner Ibiza.

Narrow "mean" looking lights would suit this car, and give it a distinctive style.

Reminds me of the direction Peugeot took after the facelift 406, grafting 206 style lights and a gaping lower grille onto the 407.

And I did my "time" as an Alfa owner. A 916 GTV. Fantastic wee coupe, the engine and exhaust note on acceleration were sheer music! The engine was silky smooth. Reliability-wise, it never failed to start and never left me stranded. Just some electrical and suspension niggles (to be expected on a 13 year old sports car).Would have another in a heartbeat, but could never see myself in a boring Germanic box like the rest of the sheep in the corporate carpark.

Submitted by JonathanJerome16 on Fri, 2012-03-23 20:57.

BEREAL!! There's really no need to shout. I can read you just fine in lower case. My eyes are now aching... :-(((

Submitted by Ross on Tue, 2013-07-30 08:39.

Whereabouts in the US do you live?

Submitted by Andy on Tue, 2013-07-30 11:15.

Wow bringing back the old articles! Hope it means something is on its way soon. Saying that I just ordered my new company car so it needs to wait a couple of more years yet!

Submitted by mb on Wed, 2013-08-28 08:57.

I drive a 159 and its a really good car and i do not want to part from her. even those who dear not mention Alfa sat in and amazed at its handling and poke. A german car magazine tested it against a 3 series and c-class and 159 came out top. it also handled better than 3 series. a loyal german car fan also drive it 20 miles, and said even though its diesel it made a c-class feel like a chelsea tractor. there is also a youtube video that did a survey saying that BMW drivers are biggest jerks on the road in US and UK - an Ultimate drivers car made for Ultimate jerks.

Submitted by magnum150 on Thu, 2013-08-29 19:47.

D reg Super 70 for my first. Replaced by a mk1 Golf GTi (yawn) replaced by a mk1 Uno Turbo. Now that was a charismatic car!Best car today in Fiats line up (speaking as a Bravo driver) is the Panda with the 1.2 fire engine. Economy, styl & quirks in a cheap package. True Fiat Dna. Love the Giulia mind, stunning.

Submitted by magnum150 on Thu, 2013-08-29 19:50.

Designed in Britain, made in Italy. It couldn't have been worse *Rolls eyes.

Submitted by magnum150 on Thu, 2013-08-29 19:51.

ROFLMA

Submitted by epex2005 on Thu, 2013-08-29 20:50.

nice car, !

Submitted by AmmoMother on Sun, 2013-09-01 20:42.

I've quite recently got myself a 147 after dreaming about alfa's for years and it's perfect! I love the Guilietta but not so fond of the Mito, I have to say the Giulia isn't as exciting to look at as the 159 looks a bit like a mondeo would look if it suddenly had a facelift and lipo suction.

Submitted by Danielus on Tue, 2013-09-24 19:16.

I have been reading that the Giulia would be using the underpinnings from the Maserati Ghibli, making it RWD. When did they decide to use a stretched version of the giulietta? How sure are you guys? I have only heard that they couldn't beat the germans without RWD, thats what alfa romeo said during summer.

Submitted by Wicek49 on Fri, 2013-10-18 15:53.

This car will never come into beeing. Instead of endless waiting for it - as a replacment of 159 Sportwagon - I bought a Volvo V60 D4, and I am happy withthis decision - otherwise I would have a riuned, old car for ever.

Submitted by Why Konami Why on Wed, 2013-11-13 17:35.

Wow!

So beautiful

Submitted by Fishlips on Sat, 2014-04-12 10:49.

I took a leap of faith and left my German hatchback for a 159. Worst mistake of my life. Kept it 3 months and got shot. Complete crap. I hope this is better.

this is not what it will looks like. come on guys, this one looks like 15 year old german boy wanted to create new passat

Submitted by Bristolbluemanc on Wed, 2014-05-07 06:11.

There seems to be a discrepancy here. In this article it is stated that there will be a Spyder but in the 5 year plan it is to junked in favour of a Fiat. Which is it? It is good to see the planned Giulia on the way. Whether it will be able to compete well against the BMW 3-Series, Audi's A4 and the new Mercedes C-Class not to mention the Volvo S60 is another matter of course. Build integrity is crucial at this level. I sincerely hope that the Giulia is as good as it's planned to be because by the end of 2015 there may well be a new A4 and BMW 3.

Submitted by Bristolbluemanc on Wed, 2014-05-07 06:17.

You can't blame the car for the drivers' behaviour.

Submitted by Todger on Sat, 2014-06-21 00:00.

The early DBs, including DB4 and the iconic James Bond DB5 were styled by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.

Submitted by Guest on Wed, 2014-07-02 12:21.

The 159 was stunningly beautiful, a well balanced, poised design that exuded style and Italian elegance but at the same time looked somewhat aggressive... a mafia boss on 4 wheels essentially, but this new corporate 'nose' with the blunt lines and bug eyes is akin to something I'd expect from a Shanghai brand maker, not the best of Milanese design. Are Alfa and Lancia stylists intending to merge into one automotive gloop? Dio non voglia!